LeAnn Rimes has left her fellow The Voice UK coaches stunned with her tactic to get a contestant to join her team.
On tonight’s episode of the ITV reality singing competition, the Blind Auditions come to an end, with LeAnn, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones each having one spot left on their teams.
One of the hopefuls looking to secure a place was 22-year-old student James Barlow from Stockport, who also has a side hustle as a remote-control car commentator.
Although James says he loved his job, his real passion is performing as a singer.
However he only started performing on stage three years ago.
‘My big dream is to go on tours and sell out stadiums. No-one ever got anywhere by saying I can’t do something,’ he shared.
‘I’m going to make sure I do absolutely everything to make sure I do myself and my family proud.’
Taking to the stage, James performed Too Close by Alex Clare, which impressed the three coaches who still have places left on their two teams.
When it comes to pitching, LeAnn told James that he ‘rocked it’ and she ‘loved’ it.
Meanwhile the McFly boys told James his voice is ‘completely its own identity’ and they wanted him to join their team as they didn’t have ‘any other’ singers like him.
‘You would make our team the complete package and we would be honoured to have you,’ Tom said.
Sensing she might be losing the battle to secure James on her team, LeAnn jumped in.
‘Actually, I have just one thing I want to add to my pitch really quick. You know, Tom and Danny sung a pitch, and I thought it was a good idea, so I wanted to take on of their songs and maybe use it against you,’ she revealed.
As the audience erupts into claps and laughter, fellow coach Will.i.am declared ‘Damn!’
Reading off her phone, LeAnn then launched into a rendition of their hit song All About You, which she’s updated with lyrics including: ‘It’s all about you. It’s not about Tom and Dan. I’m better for you, cause I’m your biggest fan.’
She continued, singing: ‘Their chairs might have turned, but you see mine’s a throne. Choose me and you’ll win, because you’re in a league of your own.’
As Tom and Danny bent over in laughter, LeAnn wrapped things up and then received a standing ovation from everyone.
However Tom proclaimed: ‘It’s not fair LeAnn Rimes!’
Giving LeAnn a taste of her own medicine, the boys then sung out ‘how could we coach without you?’ to the tune of her song How Do I Live.
After both teams made it clear they’re desperate to have James join them, his final decision saw him go with Tom and Danny.
